For years poker was played in smoky backrooms of bars and casinos, but as technology advanced and online gambling became legalized in more states the game went virtual and now there are many sites that offer real money poker to players across the United States. These sites are regulated and secure and you should be able to deposit and withdraw funds with ease. Look for sites that use 128 or 256 bit SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. Additionally, reputable sites will have their games and random number generators audited regularly by independent third parties.
Some sites also allow players to customize the look and feel of the software that runs their online poker rooms. This may seem like a small detail, but it can be important to some players. Good poker software is smooth and intuitive to use and it should be easy to navigate.
The best online poker sites have a variety of games to choose from, and they often run tournaments and daily freerolls that can help you win big. They also have a variety of banking options, including eWallets and bank transfers. Some sites even accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. They should all have strong customer support and be easy to reach.
The legal situation of online poker varies widely by jurisdiction, and it is important for players to stay informed about the latest developments. While the vast majority of US players are still restricted from playing on real money sites, some state-regulated operators have been able to launch sites and compete with the major global networks. In addition, several countries have legalized and regulated the practice of online poker.